**New**  Spain - Indulge
Wine & Castle Tour
Friday, Sep 3 to Sunday, Sep 12

9/3/2010 - Friday: Day 1 - Flight from NYC to Madrid                              
Depart NYC/ JFK 6.00 PM - Arrive Madrid 7.00 AM (Overnight flight)
                         
9/4/2010 - Saturday: Day 2 - Madrid
Arrive early morning into Madrid Airport and transfer to our 4-star hotel to drop off our luggage and park the vans. The hotel is located in central Madrid just a couple blocks away from the metro station which connects us within 10 minutes to the major attractions, restaurants and nightlife.

After breakfast, you have the option to relax or begin touring the city.
Meet for a group lunch at Plaza Mayor (Madrid’s main square) or in La Latina. Both these areas are among the oldest in Madrid and are distinguished by their narrow streets, large squares, well-preserved architecture and remarkable gastronomy.
After lunch, we will visit Madrid de los Austrias and walk to Parque el Retiro or you have the option to explore enchanting Madrid in your own way.
At night, indulge your senses by savoring a variety of tapas while enjoying a live Flamenco show for the perfect night evening out in Madrid.

4 Star Hotel Madrid
Located in the Atocha district, the comfortable Hotel lies a short Metro ride from Madrid city center.
The rooms are decorated in a modern style, and all have satellite TV, pillow menu and air conditioning. Wi-Fi is available on request. Café-restaurant is open until late - here you can enjoy a drink or choose from a selection of snacks and light meals. In the evenings it offers a wide range of dishes. The Marqués de Vadillo Metro station is just 5 minutes' walk away - from here you can go straight to the city center.

9/5/2010 - Sunday: Day 3 - Madrid & Salamanca
After breakfast, optional Biking Tour on Madrid’s Green Cyclist Ring, a bike trail that circles the city along 60 kilometers / 39 miles. As we ride, we will be able to discover Madrid’s social and urban landscapes. We will also make stops at parks and resting areas were we will have a small picnic. At normal speed, this could be achieved in 3 hours, but at any time, we could decide to leave the trail and enter the city to visit the traditional Sunday flea markets.

After returning the bikes, we will have lunch in central Madrid and then head back to the hotel to pick up the bags and checkout.

Afternoon transfer to Zamora wine region (3 hours)
Check in at 5 star hotel located just outside Salamanca. This legendary hotel is a 15th century castle characterized by its luxury and charm, surrounded by hundreds of years of stories and particularly lovely gardens.
After check in, you will have the option to have dinner in Salamanca or stay at the hotel’s restaurant located in the old dungeons of the castle offering typical dishes from Spain’s exquisite cuisine.

If we decide to have dinner at the hotel, we will not miss splendorous Salamanca, Castilla’s liveliest city. Home of a cheerful young student crowd from all parts of the world, Salamanca is a one of a kind Renaissance destination.

5 Star Hotel El Castillo
This 15th-century castle, set in the Castillian countryside, has been carefully restored to keep its structure and many of its features exactly as they have been for centuries.
Each of the hotel’s rooms look out onto the castle’s central courtyard or to the meadows which surround it. Located 27 km to the north of the ancient university city of Salamanca, the castle is one of many which give the region its name. In the past, this particular castle has been home to the local nobility and has been nationally protected since 1931.
Nowadays, you can dine in what were once the dungeons or stroll through the beautiful surrounding gardens. Legend has it that the name of the castle comes from one of its former owners, the Bishop of Santiago, who stayed there with his secret lover. Having been forced to part by the church, it is said that the couple now haunt the castle.
Activities: Library, Hiking, Outdoor Swimming Pool.
Services: Room Service, Business Centre, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Breakfast in the Room, Souvenirs/Gift Shop, Bicycle Rental, Packed Lunches, Tour Desk
Internet: Free Wireless internet is available in public areas

9/6/2010 - Monday: Day 4 - Beginning of our "Wine Route"
Zamora and Duero Region Wineries 

After breakfast, we will make our way to Bodegas La Denominación de Origen Toro, one of the most prestigious wineries in the Iberian Peninsula, presenting their distinctive “Tinta del Toro” Tempranillo variety grape. Their worldwide known wines are a synonym of equilibrium because of their demonstrated balance between fruit and wood.

We will leave the vineyard and transfer to Ribera del Duero Region (about 2.5 hours).
On Route, we will stop in Valladolid (half way to Ribera del Duero) to have lunch in a restaurant offered by “Casa de Cervantes”, a museum once occupied by Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, who did much of his writing in Valladolid and remained here for the last years of his life. This is a good place for trying Valladolid's cuisine - the roast lamb and suckling pig are famous - add a cup of Ribera del Duero wine to make it even more memorable.

After lunch, we will continue our trip to Ribera del Duero Wine Region. Upon arrival we will visit one of the most traditional wineries in the area remarkable because of its subterranean wine cellar from the sixteenth century and still used for aging their wines.

In the late afternoon, we will check-in at our 4 star hotel in Burgos.
The hotel is centrally located in this beautiful city that deserves exploration; it is the home of Spain's finest Gothic Cathedral. Besides the vibrant nightlife and excellent restaurants, Burgos carries the legacy of Spain’s national hero: El Cid.
We will have a group dinner in Burgos.

4 Star Hotel Burgos
Located in the heart of the historical and monumental city center of Burgos.
150 m from the Cathedral and just 5 minutes from Las Huelgas Monastery.
Services: Room Service, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Laundry
Internet: Free Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel

9/7/2010 - Tuesday: Day 5 - La Rioja Wine Region             
Early Breakfast and morning transfer to La Rioja wine region (approximately 2 hours)
The most common Spanish premium red wine you’ll encounter will probably be from La Rioja, where the vines have been cultivated since Roman times.  The principal grape from La Rioja is Tempranillo, widely believed to be a mutant form of Pinot Noir.

Mid morning, we’ll visit Bodegas of Marques de Riscal. Famous for their white wines, the bodega is located in the picturesque town of Elciego, internationally renowned for its prestigious wine achieved through time. The bodega is also a major attraction for the creative architectural design by Frank Gehry, known as Spain’s second Guggenheim. After our departure, we will have lunch at a neighboring small medieval town called Laguardia.

In the afternoon, we will visit some of the region’s famous Monasteries and Castles.
After the castle and monastery visits, we will transfer to Pamplona (about 1.5 hours).  Surrounded by gorgeous mountains, Pamplona’s beautiful landscapes and architecture will definitely capture our senses to make this an unforgettable journey.
In the early evening, we will check-in at our hotel, located just 10 minutes drive from city center.
After check-in, we will have group dinner in town.

Hotel Pamplona
The hotel offers comfortable facilities, rich gastronomy, and an overall warm and friendly service.
The hotel features a gym with sauna and squash deserve a special mention.
General: Restaurant, Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Garden, Terrace, Non-Smoking Rooms
Activities: Sauna, Fitness Center, Golf Course (within 3 km), Billiards
Services: Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Ironing Service, Tour Desk
Internet: Free Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel and in the business center

 
9/8/2010 - Wednesday: Day 6 - Hiking the Pyrenees Mountains
Early breakfast; Transfer to Natural Park near Pamplona for a full day in the mountains or you will have the option to stay and tour Pamplona.
The Pyrenees, the vast northern mountain range that separates Spain from the rest of Europe, is a fascinating natural boundary where water, forests and small villages abound.

Because the Pyrenees are synonymous with adventure, a great way to thoroughly enjoy this environment of spectacular nature is through a whole day of hiking. Hiking shoes recommended but sneakers also ok. You may also want to bring sun block, hat, bug spray, etc. We will buy water and lunch for a picnic before departure in Pamplona.  When finished hiking we’ll return to Pamplona and have a group dinner in town.

9/9/2010 - Thursday: Day 7: Wine Museum and Transfer to Barcelona
Breakfast & Transfer: Check out at Hotel and transfer to Barcelona.
On the way we will visit the Wine and Vine Museum of Navarra (Museo del Vino y la Viña de Navarra) located in Olite, one of Navarra’s most charming old towns. We will also visit Olite’s famous Castle (Castillo de Olite), constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries.  After these activities we will have lunch in Olite before transferring to Barcelona (approximately 4 hours)

In the evening we will arrive and check-in at our modern four-star hotel in Barcelona.  The hotel is near the beach and features a rooftop pool. It is also located just a 5 minute walk from the metro and a 10 minute ride to the centre where all the main attractions can be visited and enjoyed. Barcelona is a great metropolis that offers very exciting options for every type of interest.
From La Sagrada Familia (Gaudi’s Cathedral) to La Rambla or just a stroll by the beach, we will be immersed in one of the most culturally rich cities in the world. After check-in, we will have group dinner and the option to enjoy Barcelona's nightlife.

4 Star Hotel Barcelona
This stunning, contemporary design hotel is housed in a unique circular tower. It boasts spectacular views across Barcelona from its impressive rooftop swimming pool.
Located in the fashionable Diagonal Mar area around Forum, the hotel is set just a few minutes’ walk away from the sandy beach of Mar Bella. Enjoy views over the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the city’s magnificent architecture, from the hotel’s rooftop terrace. Here you will also find the outdoor bar and pool – ideal for cooling off from the warm Catalan sunshine. After a busy day’s work or sightseeing enjoy a workout in the hotel gym. You can then choose between dining at the hotel’s Catalan and international restaurant or the family-friendly Mediterranean buffet option.
Activities: Fitness Center, Solarium, Massage, Outdoor Swimming Pool
Services: Room Service, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Tour Desk
Wireless internet is available in public areas and your room at cost of EUR 11.28 per hour

9/10/2010 - Friday: Day 8 - Barcelona                     
Breakfast followed by free time to visit the beach or attractions like La Sagrada Familia, La Rambla, the Gothic Neighborhood, etc.  
We will have the option to have group lunch at La Barceloneta, also called the Barrio of Fishermen; where we can try one of the many seafood dishes offered by the restaurants along the sidewalk.
The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the city your own way or simply relax at the hotel.
At night, we’ll have the option to meet for group dinner and drinks near La Rambla.  Overnight in Barcelona
                             
9/11/2010 - Saturday: Day 9 -Barcelona and Transfer to Madrid
Breakfast and free morning in Barcelona
After lunch, transfer to Madrid (about 7 hours with plenty of stops along the way)
Upon arrival in Madrid we’ll check-in to our 4 star hotel (same hotel as above)

After group dinner, we will be able to attend one of Madrid’s most famous public cultural events: La Noche en Blanco (The White Night) which consists of ten hours in which hundreds of thousands of people hit the streets to admire, wonder and participate in more than one hundred artistic exhibitions organized by over 200 institutions. From dusk until the sun comes out again, imagination will take the streets of Madrid and we will be witnesses!
                           
9/12/2010 - Sunday: Day 10 - Flight from Madrid to New York City
Early breakfast and free morning for last minute shopping..   and check out.
Depart to Airport at 10:30 AM
Depart Madrid at 2:00 PM

Pricing and payment schedule:
$1,995 - Early Bird Special - make deposit by Friday, July 2
$2,095 - make deposit by Friday, July 16
$2,195 - make deposit by Friday, July 30

Only $400 deposit needed to hold your spot; however, we have only 16 spots available and this trip is bound to sell out !

Questions / RSVP:  igorbass@dynamicoutdoors.com

Included:
- International non-stop flight: JFK - Madrid
- All ground transfers and transport
- Hotel accommodations (Double occupancy)
- Daily breakfast (Exception: Day 2/ arrival day in Spain)
- Entrance fees and wine tasting tickets per itinerary

Not Included:
- Lunches and Dinners
- Optional Bike Tour and other optional and/ or individual choice activities
- Tipping; we suggest $35 to cover the entire week

Cancellation Policy:

If you cancel more than 60 days before the date of travel, you would receive a refund minus $200
If you cancel less than 60 days before the date of travel, you would receive 75% refund
If you cancel less than 45 days before the date of travel, you would receive 50% refund
If you cancel less than 30 days before the date of travel, you would receive 25% refund
If you cancel less than 15 days before the date of travel, there won't be a refund possible unless we find replacement for you !

(We always highly recommend to take out travel insurance: www.travelex.com)